Lapland Active Adventure

Nothing prepares you for the icy wilderness of Sweden’s far north. This incredible trip takes you right inside the Arctic Circle to the snowy wilderness of Lapland. Slide across the ice in complete silence, listening to the sound of your team of dogs pulling your sled and enjoy the frozen beauty of the ICEHOTEL®. Sleeping out in a teepee in the snow and looking out for the aurora borealis (northern lights) are unforgettable experiences.

Dog-sled through icy wilderness, see the Northern Lights in all their glory, visit the renowned ICEHOTEL®

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERYIMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Important Notes

DOGSLEDDINGNOTES:
You will be standing on the back of a sled, in charge of a team of dogs, and you need to be in control of the team at all times. The dogs are an active, energetic breed, and love to run. Once you get started, the dogs will run almost without the need to command them. Once you start to head downhill, then you will need to control the speed of the sled using the brake as this can get out of control. To stop the sled, apply the brake and once stationary either use the anchor or attach the sled to a tree to stop the dogs running off. The important thing is never to let go, as the dogs will keep running! A willingness to participate in aspects all of husky care is essential. This is a participatory trip, thus hands on help is greatly appreciated! Helping with the cleaning of the dog dishes, putting out dog food, dog poop cleaning, wood cutting, fire making, getting water and other chores might be asked of you during your adventure. This will allow you to build up a great relationship with your team.

Please note that the dog sledding routes may vary due to weather and/or path conditions.

At certain times of year, this itinerary may be affected by the prevailing weather conditions. At the start of the season in December, there may be changes to the itinerary due to a lack of snowfall, although the conditions can vary every year.

For departures early in the season (December), it may be necessary to change the itinerary due to the prevailing weather conditions, and some activities such as snowshoeing may not be available. Later in the season, the northern lights are not as visible during the late season (March), so the northern lights dog-sledding will not be possible at this time.

The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) is a natural phenomena and is highly weather dependent. The ability to view the Northern Lights during your trip will be dependent on the appropriate weather/atmospheric conditions.

BOOTSIZES:
Please note that the boots that we can provide in Men’s size only goes up to a maximum size of US12 1/2, UK12, EUR46 1/2.

Group Leader Description

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

Group Size Notes

Max 10, avg 8

Meals Included

5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Whilst out with the dogs all meals are included, and lunches are taken out on the trail. When in Kiruna or the Icehotel you will have the option of what you choose to eat.
For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Transport

Bus, snowshoe, dog-sled, walking

Local Flights

If required all local flights are included in the cost of your tours unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

A variety of styles of hotels/guest houses are used on this trip. In many instances they might not be like what you are used to back home as service and efficiency can vary. All the accommodation on this trip is on a same-sex multishare basis so you may accommodated in a room with up to 2 other people of the same sex. The wilderness lodge is in a stunning location – rooms are small and simple and there may only be shared toilet facilities and showers. The teepee accommodation is set up near the lodge, and if temperatures drop too far then you can sleep in the lodge for that night. The Icehotel is constructed each year by a different design team, so the style changes with each season. There are various rooms at the ICEHOTEL®, both ice rooms and warms rooms. These are highly sought after and so the availability for each can vary according to each departure. The facilities at the ICEHOTEL® include an ice bar and various ice sculptures which the group will be able to experience no matter which room type you are staying in.

Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day. Upon arrival to the city on day 1 (or earlier if you have booked pre-accommodation with us), please make your way to the joining hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon). Once you arrive at the hotel, look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO.

Arrival Complications

We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO. Alternatively you can use the emergency contact numbers provided in these notes.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Operator (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels (max 15-20 mins.)

Please note that sleeping bags are NOT provided and so you will need to bring your own. We also recommend bringing a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth.

Checklist

What to bring:
•Light fleece top/ medium heavy fleece top
•3-4 season sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner
•Down jacket
•Balaclava
•Neck Gaitor/ Fleece buff
•3 pairs wool socks (at least 70% wool, loose fitting, can be purchased from our supplier if necessary for 100SEK, please let your agent know your size at the time of booking)- Please note that smart Wool is not warm enough.
•Slippers for the cabin (not flipflops)
•Head torch (with extra batteries – minimum 60 lumens, can be rented from the supplier for 150SEK)
•Thermal underwear- Wool is recommended
•Wool sweater
•Salopettes/ski trousers
•Goggles (Optional)
•Warm windproof/waterproof jacket/ Down Jacket (Please not that the dogs have sharp nails and can sometimes rip jackets)
•Gloves and a warm hat (Flexible gloves recommended, keep in mind that you will be working with dogs and huge ski gloves aren’t that easy to work with)
•Warm Wool Mittens for in the mushing mittens provided
•Towel
•Personal clothing for a winter environment
•Sturdy walking boots (NOT shoes or sports sandals!)
•Sunblock
•Sunglasses
•Toiletries (biodegradable)
•Hand sanitizer
•Baby wipes (useful when there is no running water)
•Watch or alarm clock
•Extra batteries – cold reduces the time these will last for
•Water bottle is NOT necessary, water will freeze! If passengers wish to take water with them then a thermos is recommended.
•Money belt
•First-aid kit (should contain blister prevention material,lip salve, analgesics, bandaids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
•Day pack large enough to contain extra socks, extra sweater, goggles and thermos.
•No Suitcases – too difficult to carry in the snow
•If you wear glasses, we strongly recommend contact lenses, as these would not fog up as quickly. Glasses tend to fog up and then the water freezes on the glasses making impossible to see.

As this accommodation is in a rural location there is no self-service laundry nearby. we recommend you bring biodegradable washing soap for any hand washing you may need to do.

Visas and Entry Requirements

Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.

All visitors to the EU (European Union) and EEC (European Economic Community) countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand passport holders do not need a visa to visit the Schengen area (see below), however they may not stay longer than three months in any 6-month period.

For other nationalities, travelling in Europe has been simplified with the introduction of the Schengen visa. As a visitor to the Schengen area (Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Portugal, Finland, Italy, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland) you will enjoy the many advantages of this unified visa system. Generally speaking with a Schengen visa, you may enter one Schengen country and travel freely throughout the Schengen region during the validity of your visa. There are limited border controls at Schengen borders, if any at all.

Please note that the UK and Ireland are NOT part of the Schengen agreement.

A Schengen visa is applied for at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country in which you will be spending the most nights on your trip to the Schengen space. If you are only visiting one country on your trip then you apply for your visa at the Consulate of this Schengen country.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange

The local currency in Sweden is the Swedish Krona (SEK).
Almost all local purchases in Sweden (meals, souvenirs, optional activities, etc) will be paid for in SEK

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Visa cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Sweden- Check with your bank. You should be aware when purchasing products or services on a credit card, that a fee usually applies.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Krona, traveller’s cheques and cards is best. Avoid relying on traveller’s cheques alone as these are less and less readily cashed as clients use them very little.

Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds. On this trip there are no cash withdrawal facilities in the wilderness lodge and most places do not accept credit cards, so you will need to arrive with sufficient funds to see you through the week.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an ‘emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Departure Tax

Usually included in international air ticket, check with your air travel agent.

Tipping

It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service (€1-2).

Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program, and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3-5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline €30-40 per person, per week can be used.

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:

www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/

Medical Form

Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility’ is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our CEOs work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

The Planeterra Foundation planeterra.org is a Canadian non-profit organization that helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra provides capacity building and catalyst grants to get community social enterprises off the ground. These businesses address local challenges by providing benefits for indigenous people, empowering marginalized women, and granting disadvantaged youth access to education, employment, and brighter futures. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating programs into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.

G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

Dollar-a-Day Program
G Adventures’ Dollar-a-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar for every day you are on trip. 100% of these donations go directly to support community development projects worldwide that are implemented by Planeterra.

Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you’ll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we’ll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gadventures.com/evaluations

Newsletter

Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/

Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra’s monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Max Pax

Max pax 10, avg 8

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

PRODUCT_LINE: EWLA, ID: 23463

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

Itinerary

Day 1 Kiruna

Arrive in Kiruna where you will be met at the airport for the transfer to the hotel. Please advise us of your flight times at the time of booking so that we can arrange the transfer for you. There’s no time to waste in heading out into the cold for the first activity, a close-up encounter with some of the local inhabitants, the moose.

Additional Notes:
Please note that the visit to the moose park will be in the late afternoon. If you would like to take part in this activity, please arrive to the airport by 5:30pm at the latest. If you arrive earlier, please check the welcome note in the lobby for the times of the visit to the moose park.

Day 2 Kiruna (1B, 1L, 1D)

After breakfast, transfer to the kennels to meet the team of dogs, your personal transport for the next few days. Get kitted out with cold weather clothing and given a full safety briefing before getting started. Receive a large coverall, which goes over your own ski gear, warm boots with a removeable iner lining (that go over your own hiking boots), mittens, and a hat. We recommend familiarizing yourself as much as possible with the dogs before getting started. You don’t want them running away from you!

Included Activities:
Dog Sledding
Ice Fishing

Transport:
Dog sled

Day 3 Kiruna (1B, 1L, 1D)

A full-day dog sledding, and the chance to glimpse the famous Northern Lights at night.

Additional Notes:
A full day of sledding, with lunch served in a teepee in the middle of the forest. After returning to the lodge in the afternoon, prepare the dog food and care for the dogs. In the evening, there is a twist to the accommodation; stay in a tepee out in the snow. Stop here for dinner, and then bed down for the night.

Included Activities:
Full Day Dog Sledding
Northern Lights Viewing

Day 4 Kiruna (1B, 1L, 1D)

After surviving the night in the teepee, enjoy breakfast and greet the dogs, who have a well-deserved rest day today. Head out on the ice to catch fish with some ice fishing. Return to the lodge to enjoy lunch.

Having been with the group for the last few days, they now have a much-deserved rest as we head off on a different challenge, snowshoeing. Depending on the weather this evening, there might be an opportunity for a sauna.

Included Activities:
Snowshoeing

Day 5 Kiruna/Icehotel (1B, 1L)

Returning from the wilderness lodge, stop at the Sami village to learn more about the culture and history of the indigenous people who live in this region. There’s also time to meet yet more furry friends. Take a short reindeer safari through the snow. Visit the majestic ICEHOTEL® in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of the day free to choose what to do.

Included Activities:
Reindeer Sledding
Sami Cultural Experience

Transport:
Private Vehicle

Day 6 Icehotel/Kiruna (1B)

Free morning for activities available at the ICEHOTEL®. Depart at any time.